If you like something…

Author Notes: Do you want to add a little kick to your drink? Here is terrific way to spice up any cocktail, smoothie, sangria or punch.
Tropical and juicy, this healthy combination of punch and a cocktail offers vitamins A and C. Jalapeno delivers more than a spicy kick: Anti-inflammatory carotenoids give the pepper its bright red skin. And to spike it: Stir Blanco or Anjou tequila, such as Casa Noble Crystal, into the juice. This organically produced liquor is triple-distilled for a pure agave flavor.
In this recipe came out the “Mad Scientist” side of me, while getting ready for my granddaughters 20th birthday. I used two recipes: one for Spicy Papaya Sunrise Punch, which I watched on Martha Stewarts’ show and the second, just a basic recipe for Tequila Sunrise with an addition of Pomegranate Juice, which I had in a Brazilian restaurant. I used two melons instead of papaya and also expended the ingredients from 1 glass to 6 or 8 including the ice. The health benefit notes are also from Martha Stewarts show.
- Kukla

Serves 6-8

• 4 cups orange juice, preferably fresh (from about 8 oranges)

• 2 cups tequila (Blanco or Anjou tequila, such as Casa Noble Crystal) or any you have

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice

• 3 cups diced honeydew

• 3 cups diced watermelon

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 1/2 red jalapeno (sliced; seeded if desired to reduce heat)

• Ice cubes

• Slices of lime for garnish

• Slices of jalapeno for garnish

Puree melons, lime juice, and jalapeno in a blender until smooth. Strain and chill.

In a large punch bowl or a pitcher, combine orange, pomegranate juices and tequila; mix in the melon, lime and jalapeno mixture.

In each glass, place ice, top with the punch. Serve, stirring just before drinking, garnish with a slice each of lime and jalapeno.